Ten things to do in the winter sun island Cape Verde from turtle-watching to desert-biking

OFTEN dubbed “Africa’s answer to the Caribbean”, Cape Verde boasts average temperatures of 25C and almost daily sunshine.

Located off the west coast of Senegal, you can escape to this island paradise in just six hours – and we’ve rounded up the 10 best things to do when you’re there.

1) Take a ferry to the islands of Sal, Santiago and Boa Vista

There’s no better way to experience Cape Verde (or officially the Republic of Cabo Verde) than exploring the Archipelago itself.

Dotted with many leafy green islands, tourists gravitate towards Sal, Santiago and Boa Vista.

Sal is the most popular island for holidaymakers, with impossibly white sandy beaches and warm, crystal waters.

Here, you’ll find the majority of resorts and activities.

Meanwhile, Santiago is the biggest island in Cape Verde and holds the bustling capital Praia.

The island of Boa Vista has beautiful dunes and volcanic landscapes – and you might even catch the sight of a humpback whale if you are lucky.

Cape Verde has regular ferry services, boat tours and internal flights to all its islands, including:

• Sao Vicente – the island’s town Mindelo is known as the cultural centre of Cape Verde
• Santo Antao – the second largest island with huge mountains
• Sao Nicolau – a colourful town with lush green landscapes
• Brava – the smallest inhabited island often dubbed the ‘island of flowers’
• Santa Luzia – the only uninhabited island accessible via boat ride from Sao Vincente
• Maio – an island to get away from the tourists with a three mile lagoon
• Fogo – the country’s highest volcanic peak

2) Admire the pastel buildings of Santa Maria

If you stop by the island of Sal, you will find yourself drawn to the bright and colourful city of Santa Maria.

Decorated with pastel paints, the streets are perfect for taking some pictures.

Every September, the city holds a music festival with live acts and lots of food and drink stalls.

3) Dip your toes in Cape Verde’s best beaches

There’s nothing better than relaxing on one of Cape Verde’s many sandy shores.

With warm turquoise waters and white sand, the beaches of Santa Monica and Praia de Chaves in Boa Vista and Santa Maria in Sal are perfect for a winter sun getaway.

Those wanting to try their hands out at sport should check out the Santa Maria beach, where you can windsurf, kiteboard and sail.

4) Explore Cape Verde’s waters through diving or snorkelling

The island’s crystal clear waters are ideal for packing snorkel or scuba gear and plunging into an undersea world.

According to the WWF, recent studies have identified Cape Verde as a top 10 global hot spot for coral communities.

Cape Verde’s diverse range of marine life means you won’t leave disappointed with corals, fish and even shipwrecks to take in.

5) Dare to go kitesurfing in Sal

There’s a reason Sal, Cape Verde, has been crowned the kitesurfing capital of the world.

Due to Cape Verde’s special location, the islands are often buffeted by winds blowing off the Sahara desert, which is ideal for the adventurous sport.

The Sun Online visited back in 2021 – here’s what else you can expect.

6) Hike up an active volcano in Fogo

If you thought visiting Cape Verde would only be a beach holiday, you would be mistaken.

The archipelago’s land is just as exciting as its waters, with a huge active volcano.

Located on the island of Fogo, the Portuguese word for “fire”, those brave and strong enough should climb the Pico Do Fogo.

From its peak, you’ll get otherworldly views of Fogo and the ocean.

7) Watch turtles nest on the islands of Boa vista and Sal

Home to the third-largest population of nesting loggerhead turtles in the world, Cape Verde is an ideal place to see the creatures.

August is the best month to watch the animals nest, although you may catch sight of them between July and October.

The majority of loggerhead turtles will nest on the islands of Boa Vista and Sal, and several conservation projects offer tours.

In September 2023, The Sun Online experienced the magical moment turtles hatched first-hand.

8) Ride a horse along Sal’s white beaches

Want to experience Sal’s beaches uniquely? Book a horse excursion and peacefully walk, trot, canter or gallop along the aquamarine shores.

Tours are available for beginner or advanced riders and can cover the Kite Beach and salt mines of Pedra de Lume.

9) Visit the salt mines of Pedra de Lume

The island of Sal, Cape Verde, translates to “Salt” in Portuguese, and here, within the crater of an extinct volcano, lies the Pedra de Lume salt mines.

With its shallow pink waters and volcanic backdrop, Pedra de Lumes is like stepping onto another planet.

Visitors can float on water in unique ‘salt pans’ or enjoy the benefits of salt and mud with treatments and massages at a spa.

10) Race down Boa Vista’s dunes on a quad bike

Nothing screams ‘quad-bike’ like a good dune, and Boa Vista has a whole desert of them.

Spanning three miles, the Viana desert is broken up by dark volcanic rocks and the occasional plant.

It is worth traversing the sprawling, golden dunes at speed to fully grasp the desert’s charm.

Here, we share the best all-inclusive Cape Verde holidays from £700pp.